Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, was a teal hero for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month at a special event hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ovarian Cancer on 14th March at the Houses of Parliament.

MPs and peers came together to show their support for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place as every March. Parliamentarians dressed as teal heroes, learned more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and committed to helping raise awareness. The designated colour for ovarian cancer is teal.

11 women die every day from ovarian cancer. Early diagnosis saves lives, and raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is crucial.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

Persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes

Feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite

Pelvic or abdominal pain (that’s your tummy and below)

Urinary symptoms (needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual)

Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, changes in bowel habits, and extreme fatigue.

Alison Thewliss MP commented:

“Being a ‘teal hero’ was a great opportunity to take action and raise awareness of ovarian cancer. Although there was a fun element to the event, ensuring women know the symptoms of this disease is extremely serious and I plan on continuing to be a teal hero in the future, working to ensure more women are diagnosed sooner.”

Annwen Jones, Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said:

“It has been delightful to see the MPs getting involved and learning the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer makes the disease easier to treat, so Target Ovarian Cancer is urging everyone to learn the symptoms during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this March. Our goal has been to inspire parliamentarians to become more engaged with ovarian cancer and the issues around the disease, and effect change at a national level. We are hugely grateful for all they do.”

Katherine Taylor, Chief Executive of Ovarian Cancer Action, said:

“We cannot fight ovarian cancer alone; which is why it is fantastic to see members of parliament showing their support this Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. We need to educate everyone from politicians, to healthcare professionals, to women and men across the UK to recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Symptoms include persistent stomach pain, persistent bloating, feeling full quickly and needing to wee more often. If you recognise any of these, be as persistent with your GP as your symptoms are with you.”

Athena Lamnisos, Chief Executive of The Eve Appeal, said:

“With ovarian cancer it’s about knowing the signs and symptoms so that you can avoid the trauma of a late diagnosis and the grim statistics that go with Stage 3 and 4 disease. That’s why The Eve Appeal know it’s vital to have open conversations about your health and know the signs and symptoms of all the women-specific cancers. With ovarian cancer especially the signs might not automatically lead either a woman or her GP to immediately think of cancer and that’s why arming yourself with information can literally be a life-saver.”

Victoria Clare, Chief Executive of Ovacome, said:

“It is great to see so many MPs getting involved in raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. By working together to raise awareness we really will make progress in detecting and treating the disease. The women we support are always pleased to see those with influence supporting them and thank you so much to all the MPs who have done so this year.”